Hong Kong is expected to play a greater role in major national clinical research projects and scientific breakthroughs, a mainland health official has said, pledging stronger support for local researchers at an annual medical conference.

The remarks were made by a National Health Commission official at the Hospital Authority Convention on Monday, where the authority’s chief also pledged to introduce more efficient service pathways and smart hospital initiatives to improve healthcare services.

The three-day conference is expected to draw more than 9,000 local, mainland and overseas healthcare professionals and academics. The authority also shared the results of a pilot programme offering palliative care to younger cancer patients in the city.

“We should encourage the exchange of expertise between medical institutions in Hong Kong and the mainland regarding hospital development and management,” said Li Wei, deputy director general of the commission’s Office of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs.

“We should also support Hong Kong medical researchers in taking part in major national science and technology projects, including collaboration not only in clinical research but also in organised efforts for breakthroughs in basic research.”

Li delivered the speech on behalf of the commission’s vice-minister, Professor Zeng Yixin, saying Hong Kong should leverage its unique strengths – strong backing from the mainland and global connectivity.